There are virtually infinite calming videos on YouTube. However, I’ve just recently grown out of ASMR, squishy dough, or gel content. My new obsession, and what I would like my readers to give a shot is the “How was it made” series by the “Victoria and Albert Museum” channel. The following five videos especially had me fascinated.

A Puzzle Jug

Pottery videos with squelching sounds are always fun to watch, and while this has plenty of beautiful clay shaping visuals and sounds, its ingenuity is what really makes this video special. Ceramics Resident Michelle Erickson’s narration explains the process for the viewer’s sake, and I’m glad it does. I’m not sure I’d be able to figure out that puzzle without being told how to do it.

An Agate Teapot

Another pottery making video by Michelle Erickson, this one is mesmerising because of how cleverly she makes the pattern replicating agate stone. Her thought process behind how the pattern may have been made originally is remarkable. When she begins pressing the different coloured earthenware together, I really wished I had some play dough on me to see if I could replicate the method as well. (Not likely.)

Electrotype

This video has subtitles in place of narration, which fits its content better in my opinion. The video takes 8th grade Chemistry and shows a brilliant application of it in replicating historical objects like metal plates and dishes. Every time the mould is taken out of the liquid solutions the emerging results are simply spectacular. Apparently, science is cool.

Micro mosaics

This one is awe-inspiring because of how much patience goes into the process. Of all the creations on “How was it made?”, micro mosaics take the longest to make. I’ve watched the video four times now and I still find it difficult to believe someone can possess the level of patience required to individually place thousands of miniscule mosaic tesserae onto a plate with tweezers. The result after three months of work didn’t seem worth it to me, but then again, I bet its price makes up for that.

The Art of Shoemaking

Have you ever watched Downton Abbey? Well, this video basically gives off the same vibes as that show. We watch as an expert craftswoman creates a bespoke brogue from scratch. Each shot is breathtaking, and the precision of the shoe-maker is incredible. The final polished product looks so immaculate, I wanted to go up to micro mosaic lady and ask her if she wants to switch professions.